Surgical device and methods

Abstract

A system and method for abdominal surgery is disclosed. The system can have one or more end effectors that can be attached to an introducer and / or tray and inserted into the abdomen through a large puncture through the patient's umbilicus. The end effector can have a surgical tool, such as a grasper. The system can have a manipulatable control arm that can be inserted into the abdomen through a small puncture through the patient's body wall. The end effector can be attached to the control arm and simultaneously or concurrently detached from the introducer or tray. The control arm can then manipulate the end effector to perform the surgery.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of co-pending International Application No. PCT / US2010 / 001036, filed Apr. 5, 2010, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 61 / 166,654 filed 3 Apr. 2009; 61 / 173,147, filed 27 Apr. 2009; 61 / 187,078, filed 15 Jun. 2009; and 61 / 314,595, filed 17 Mar. 2010, all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.BACKGROUND[0002]Surgery has become increasingly less invasive thanks to advances in medical technology. Laparoscopy is the dominant minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approach used today and has replaced many traditional “open” approaches. In laparoscopic surgery, trocars (typically 3-5) are placed at separate points in the surgical field. These trocars serve as ports into a body cavity (such as the abdomen) through which special long and thin instruments can be inserted. Manipulation of these tools from outside the body mechanically translates into motion within the...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]The present invention relates to laparoscopic surgical tools designed to not leave a visible scar. These laparoscopic surgical tools are comprised of a handle, a trans abdominal drive system and a tool head / tip. The trans abdominal drive system is intended to transmit motion, energy, and data across a patient's body cavity wall without leaving a permanent scar. The trans abdominal drive system can be applied to laparoscopic surgical procedures including but not limited to appendix removal, gall bladder removal, hernia repair and uterus removal. Current laparoscopic tools require a port or trocar to be placed across the patients body cavity wall. Said ports or trocars are large and leave a scar. The trans abdominal drive portion of the laparoscopic tool allows the surgeon to use laparoscopic tools across a body cavity wall without leaving a scar.

[0014]Another embodiment of the trans abdominal drive system is made up of a needle, a drive trocar, an external plate, an internal plate, an external supporting member, an internal supporting member, an attachment mechanism between the plates, an attachment mechanism between the internal supporting member and the internal plate, an attachment mechanism between the external supporting member and the external plate, a suspension system between the external supporting mechanism and the outer housing, a suspension system between the internal supporting mechanism and the internal plate or a suspension system between the internal supporting mechanism and the end-effecter of the surgical tool, and an outer housing. The trans abdominal drive system could be magnetically coupled to eliminate the need to cross the skin layer. The trans abdominal drive system could be hydraulically coupled to ensure only one violation of the skin at the umbilicus.

[0015]The trans abdominal drive system can transmit motion, energy, and data across a patient's body cavity wall without leaving a permanent scar. The trans abdominal drive system can be applied to laparoscopic surgical procedures including but not limited to appendix removal, gall bladder removal, hernia repair and uterus removal. The trans abdominal drive system allows the surgeon to use laparoscopic tools across a body cavity wall without leaving a scar.

[0016]The trans abdominal drive system can have a 14-gauge needle based drive system designed to mate to a handle on one end and mate to an end effecter on the other end. The trans abdominal drive system can have a needle, a drive trocar, an external plate, an internal plate, an external supporting member, an internal supporting member, an attachment mechanism between the plates, an attachment mechanism between the internal supporting member and the internal plate, an attachment mechanism between the external supporting member and the external plate, a suspension system between the external supporting mechanism and the outer housing, a suspension system between the internal supporting mechanism and the internal plate or a suspension system between the internal supporting mechanism and the end-effecter of the surgical tool, and an outer housing. The trans abdominal drive system could be magnetically coupled to eliminate the need to cross the skin layer. The trans abdominal drive system could be hydraulically coupled, for example, to ensure only one violation of the skin at the umbilicus.

Problems solved by technology

Said ports or trocars are large and leave a scar.

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